Original Van Halen bassist Mark Stone has passed away on Saturday (September 26th) after a battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed by his broth on Social media.
Stone's brother, Brad, shared the sad news with fans via Instagram. He wrote, "My beloved brother Mark passed this morning. #markstone #vanhalen #fanhalen".
Mark played bass with Eddie and Alex Van Halen in their early bands Genesis and Mammoth. Soon after they recruited David Lee Roth, Mammoth changed their name to Van Halen.
Stone would go on to play with Van Halen until mid-1974 when he was replaced in the band by Michael Anthony, because the band reportedly felt that Mark was focused on his education more than the band.
Van Halen Rising author Greg Renoff shared via Twitter, "Just got the very sad news that Mark Stone, who played bass with the Van Halen brothers in Genesis, Mammoth, and Van Halen between 1970-1974, has passed away.
"Mark helped lay the foundation the band we all love. RIP. Condolences to his wife and all those who loved him."
Wolfgang Is Van Halen Now Says Sammy Hagar (2022 In Review)
Wolfgang Van Halen Wants To Widen The Breadth With New Album
Wolfgang Should Play Eddie Van Halen Tribute Concert Says Satriani (2022 In Review)
Sammy Hagar Approached To Do A Van Halen Residency (2022 In Review)
Quick Flicks: Creature From Black Lake
Bloodsucking Zombies from Outer Space - 2 Decades of Decay
GETSOME! - Nothing Personal of Course
Heroes & Monsters - Heroes and Monsters
Jared James Nichols - Jared James Nichols
Motley Crue Star Shares First Photo Of New Lineup
Rock Hall CEO Thrilled Iron Maiden Are Nominated
Zakk Wylde Reacts To Ozzy Osbourne's Retirement News
Dierks Bentley Teams Up With Ashley McBryde For 'Cowboy Boots'
Queen Revisit Magic Tour Rehearsals On The Greatest
From Ashes To New Deliver 'Nightmare' Video
Redlight King Premiere 'Eye Of A Hurricane' Video
Singled Out: Perfect Strangers' A Song For You